Family: Rubiaceae
Common Name: Mirror Plant

Mostly grown for their attractive glossy foliage, these evergreen shrubs or small trees are native to Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Their oval leaves are very shiny, and often variegated, the flowers are insignificant and the small, colourful fruits are pretty. Many species grow to 3 m (10 ft), less in cool temperate regions.

Species

C. x kirkii is a low maintenance groundcover which may grow 30-50 cm (12-20 in) high, though often less, and spreads horizontally over a large area. Small, shiny, green leaves grow densely on stiffish stems. There is also a form with cream and green leaves.

C. repens has glossy, rich green leaves, small white flowers and clusters of berries which change in colour from green to orange. This shrub, which grows to 3 m (10 ft), makes an excellent hedge plant which can be clipped to shape. Cultivar 'Argentea' has silver-variegated leaves; 'Marble Queen's' leaves are marbled with yellow and lime green; 'Picturata' has a central yellow blotch on its leaves; 'Variegata' has a broad, yellow margin around its leaves.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in pots of soil-based potting compost in a cool, airy greenhouse with maximum light. Coprosmas are tolerant of strong, salt-laden winds, making them perfect for coastal gardens. They do well in any type of soil, including sand. Water well in summer and prune back every year to encourage branching. Propagate from cuttings taken in spring. Strike in a sandy compost.

Climate

Zone 9 if the area is relatively frost-free.